FIRE AND CUSCUTA-GLOMERATA CHOISY IN OHIO - A CONNECTION

Cuscuta glomerata Choisy is a distinctive species largely confined to the central and midwestern prairie region. It was noted as extirpated in Ohio in 1988 (the last collection dating from 1933). Since 1989 fiv e stations for the species in Ohio have been located. All are associat ed with prairie remnants which have, in recent years, been subjected t o regular controlled burning. It is suggested that fire is essential t o rupture the seed coat and stimulate germination.